Do I have anything to say?: I'll Give It a Try

Thursday, February 26, 2009

I'll Give It a Try

So...yesterday was Ash Wednesday , the beginning of the Lenten Season . I will be the first to admit that I haven't always thought about what this means, and often have not taken it very seriously, or at least as seriously as I should. I am going to try and make this year different. I did a little "Google" search and found some good ideas, in addition to the ones I already had, as well as a nice perspective on how to look at these forty days.

Even though it may be too late to buy this book , I like the way the introduction describes Lent-- "Most of us think of Lent as a time for giving up something. The other side of Lent is doing more, or saying yes. Lent is the Church's invitation to go forward, to move ahead, to grow in faith and devotion. The season prepares us to celebrate with greater intensity and love the death and resurrection of Jesus."

Apparently (found this information on Google...maybe not-so-much a "good Catholic", whatever that means anyway...), the Pope's message for this Lent was focused on fasting. I have definitely never been very good at that, but now that I have seen and read this, maybe it will make me more accountable (having it written down to "refer back to" probably doesn't hurt either!) There are quite a few areas in my life that need work, and what better time to do that than now?! Another reference I found, talks about "clearing your clutter"...I KNOW I need to do that!

I don't think I have written this much about "religion" in all my past posts combined! However, I needed to write this down for myself to have as a reminder of what I said I was going to be trying to do :o)

I suppose I should head to bed...this morning I DID go back to bed after the kids went to school which was nice (then, I worked out and went home to watch my DVR of The Biggest Loser before running a few errands and coming back to the house where I am baby-sitting). Two more days and then these kids get their "real parents" back...I'm not sure if they are ready or not :o)

Good night.

1 comment:

Laurie in Ca. said...: Hey Amanda,

I really have been thinking about this post. I am not Catholic but the idea of Lent has always interested me. I like the paying it forward version from the book you mentioned and for me, it seems more fitting to the season for me. (Not that it is supposed to). But I can always use the lessons in denying myself and focusing on others so this is what I will do:)
Jesus definitely paid it forward for me so I want to do this for Him. I love you girl and hope you have a great weekend. When are your "mom" duties over?

Love and Hugs, Laurie; 28 February, 2009 11:13

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This blog purposefully is left full name and location free out of respect to my family and to my patients/families. Due to the nature of my work, and having foster children in my home, it is important to maintain privacy and confidentiality. All photographs of patients were either given to me by the families or taken with family permission. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping me protect myself and "my people" =) If you have any questions, or want to know more about me, feel free to email me at iloveblogs44 {at} gmail {dot} com.

Who's Who

Updated September 2013

I have one sister who is married and has two boys. "A" was born June 2009 and "I" was born March 2012. We are both really close to my parents and have lots of "family dinners".

I wrote a lot about my patients when I first started this blog. Some patients are still growing and thriving, and others have lost their battles.

My first foster placements lived with me from June 2010-September 2011. They were sisters who were 15 and almost 3 when they were placed with me and are now 18 and 5. I called M "the teen" and L "the little one". They live with their mom who still has many issues, but are doing well (ok) and I still have (not enough) contact with them.

My second foster placement came to me September 6, 2012. I call her Zoe and she turned 5 in April. She has cystic fibrosis and has been a patient on my floor at the hospital. The plan is still reunification.

Ivy is a 17-year-old whose mom died just before Thanksgiving. She has a Guardian, but is unable to live with him due to some family issues. She has no other family who is willing/able to take her. She moved in with me the beginning of February. She moved to a group home at the beginning of August as her needs were too great for me with my schedule and having another child with special needs.